Vial with non-round seal

ABSTRACT

A moisture-tight, re-sealable container ( 10, 80, 120, 202, 214 ) is disclosed having a lid ( 18, 128 ) and body ( 12, 112 ). The lid and body have a non-round seal ( 50, 78 ) that is substantially moisture tight when the lid is seated on the body, admitting less than 1000 micrograms per day of water to a package. A reinforcement ( 22  or  162 ) stiffens or reinforces at least a portion of the seal against inward deflection along an axis ( 42 ) defined by the minor diameter when the lid is seated on the body. Optionally the reinforcement is at least one spline ( 162 ) subdividing the reservoir. A method of making dispensers ( 10, 80, 120, 202, 214 ) for objects ( 122, 124 ) of varying length to customize particular dispensers to dispense such objects of a particular length is also disclosed.

This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 61/053,277, filedMay 15, 2008, and 61/081514, filed Jul. 17, 2008. These two entirepatent applications are incorporated here by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to containers that can be used, forexample, to house test strips, pills, capsules, particulate materials,liquids, or other objects or materials and control the ingress and/oregress of moisture. This patent application discloses technology relatedto that of U.S. Ser. No. 29/318,272, filed May 16, 2008. That patentapplication is incorporated here by reference.

Cylindrical containers are described in the following patents as being“leak-proof:” U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,783,056, 4,812,116, RE 37,676 and6,303,064. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,769,558 and 7,198,161 and European patent 1220 794, all to the present inventor, disclose a leakproof, resealablecylindrical container and cap assembly. The disclosure of the processesof producing injection molded plastic containers and sealing them areincorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention is a moisture proof, resealablenon-cylindrical container and lid assembly. The term “resealable” meansthat the closure can be closed at least once after the container isopened for the first time. Preferably, the closure can be opened andclosed additional times after the initial opening to remove all of thecontents.

The container has a body having an interior space, defined by agenerally tubular sidewall. The body has a lid, and the lid and bodyhave a non-round seal that is substantially moisture proof when the lidis seated on the body, meaning that when sealed the container admitsless than 1000 micrograms per day of water determined by a moistureingress test method. The container optionally is sized as apharmaceutical package enclosing between 1 and 500 ml of interiorvolume, alternatively between 10 and 200 ml of interior volume,alternatively between 20 and 100 ml of internal volume.

The body has a generally tubular sidewall with first and second axiallyopposed ends, a base, and a dispensing opening axially spaced from thebase and at least adjacent to the second end. The interior space isdisposed generally within the sidewall and at least generally betweenthe base and the dispensing opening. The sidewall has a cross-sectionhaving a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein the ratio betweenthe major diameter and the minor diameter of the sidewall cross-sectionis a value between 1.1:1 and 10:1, inclusive.

The container has a non-round body sealing surface located on the bodyand disposed about the dispensing opening, the body sealing surfacehaving a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein the ratio betweenthe major diameter and the minor diameter of the body sealing surface isa value between 1.1:1 and 10:1, inclusive.

The lid is configured to seat on the body. There is a lid sealingsurface located on the lid. The body sealing surface and the lid sealingsurface are configured to mate to form a seal between the lid and thebody when the lid is seated on the body. The lid and lid sealing surfaceat least substantially close the dispensing opening and isolate theinterior space from ambient conditions.

An insert communicates with the interior space of the container andreinforces at least a portion of the body sealing surface against inwarddeflection along an axis defined by the minor diameter when the lid isseated on the body. The container has a moisture ingress rate of thecontainer having a moisture ingress rate of 100-1000 micrograms per day,optionally 200-700 micrograms per day, optionally 380-700 micrograms perday, optionally 400-700 micrograms per day, optionally 250-400micrograms per day, optionally less than 300 micrograms per day, at 80%relative humidity and 72° F. (22.2° C.).

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the interior space is defined atleast in part by an interior surface made of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the interior space is defined atleast in part by a reinforcement stiffening the container againstdeflection along the minor axis.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the reinforcement is an insertassembled with the container.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the insert is secured to thecontainer by an interference fit between the insert and the inner wallof the container.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the insert is made of a desiccantmaterial.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the insert is disposed within thecontainer.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the insert is a liner generallyfollowing the inner wall of the container.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least one of the ends of thecontainer has an interior portion made of desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the sidewall has an interiorportion made of desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the lid has an interior portionmade of desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the desiccantmaterial is located in the interior space.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the desiccantis a particulate material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the desiccantis provided in the form of one or more sachets.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the desiccantis provided in the form of one or more canisters.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the desiccantis provided in the form of one or more pellets.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the container further comprises asleeve of desiccant material disposed within the body and at leastpartially defining the interior space.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the sleeve is integrally formedwith at least one of the sidewall and an end wall.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the container further comprises atether linking the container body and lid.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the tether comprises a hinge.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the tether comprises an integralhinge.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the hinge is configured to orientthe lid to seat on the body when the lid and body are pivoted together.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the hinge defines a pivot axis thatis generally perpendicular to the major axis.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the hinge defines a pivot axis thatis generally parallel to the major axis.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the hinge extends from the sidewallat least adjacent to the end of the major axis.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the hinge extends from the sidewallat least adjacent to the end of the minor axis.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body is at least generally ovalin cross-section.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body is at least generallypolygonal in cross-section.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body is at least generallyrectangular in cross-section.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body has at least one roundedcorner.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of thedispensing opening is defined by the second end of the sidewall.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the lid comprises a closed surfacesupporting the lid sealing surface.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the lid comprises a skirtsurrounding and depending from the lid sealing surface.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the skirt is generally tubular.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the skirt cross-section issubstantially congruent to the cross-section of the body sidewall, atleast substantially defining an extension of the generally tubularsidewall when the lid is seated on the body.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the bodysidewall is a value between 1.5:1 and 5:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the sidewall isa value between 1.5:1 and 4:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the sidewall isa value between 1.5:1 and 3:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the sidewall isa value between 2:1 and 5:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the sidewall isa value between 2:1 and 4:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the sidewall isa value between 2:1 and 3:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the bodysidewall is a value between 1.5:1 and 5:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the body sealingsurface is a value between 1.5:1 and 4:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the body sealingsurface is a value between 1.5:1 and 3:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the body sealingsurface is a value between 2:1 and 5:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the body sealingsurface is a value between 2:1 and 4:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the ratio between the majordiameter and the minor diameter of the cross-section of the body sealingsurface is a value between 2:1 and 3:1, inclusive.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the body andat least a portion of the lid are formed in one shot in an injectionmold.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and the lid are formed intwo shots in an injection mold.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the respective shots are asubstantially moisture blocking polymeric material and a desiccantpolymeric material.

Another embodiment of the invention is a dispenser for strips ofmaterial, comprising a generally tubular body, a first platform, asecond platform, and at least one spline. The body has an interiorsurface and first and second axially opposed ends, at least one of theends defining a dispensing opening. The first platform extends laterallywithin the interior surface and positioned at the first end or betweenthe first and second ends of the body. The second platform extendslaterally within the interior surface, is positioned between and spacedaxially from the first platform and the dispensing opening, and definesa reservoir between the second platform and the dispensing opening and aregion between the first and second platforms. The spline extendsaxially and laterally within the reservoir and subdivides the reservoirinto plural axially extending reservoirs communicating with thedispensing opening.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is an open path ofcommunication between the reservoir and at least one of the stripreservoirs.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is an open path ofcommunication between the reservoir and each of the strip reservoirs.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least one open path ofcommunication is a perforation in the second platform.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a desiccant materialexposed to the reservoir.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the desiccant material is incontact with the region.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the region is defined by aninterior surface composed at least in part of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of at least oneof the body interior surface, a spline, the first platform, and thesecond platform is composed of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the bodyinterior surface is composed of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of at least onespline is composed of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the firstplatform is composed of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the secondplatform is composed of a desiccant material.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and at least one of thefirst platform, the second platform, and a spline are integral.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and the first platform areintegral.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and the second platformare integral.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and a spline are integral.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and each spline areintegral.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body and each of the firstplatform, the second platform, and the splines are injection molded.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the body andat least a portion of the first platform are formed in one shot in aninjection mold.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the second platform and splines areformed in one shot in an injection mold.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, at least a portion of the body andthe first platform are formed in a first shot in an injection mold andthe second platform and splines are formed in a second shot in aninjection mold.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the portions formed in the firstshot define a first part, the portions formed in the second shot definea second part, and the first and second parts are joined together todefine a dispenser.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a desiccant disposed inthe region.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the desiccant is a particulatematerial.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the desiccant is provided in theform of one or more sachets, canisters, or pellets.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a cap for covering thedispensing opening.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a first seal surface onthe cap and a second seal surface on the body, the seal surfaces beingmateable to at least substantially seal the dispensing opening.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a hinge joining thedispenser body and cap.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a desiccant materialdisposed within the cap.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a sleeve of desiccantmaterial disposed within the body and at least partially defining atleast one of the reservoir and region.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the sleeve is integrally formedwith at least one of the first and second platforms.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the second platform has a firstportion defining a first strip reservoir.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the second platform furthercomprises a second portion non-coplanar with the first portion defininga second strip reservoir.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there is a second strip reservoirdefined by a portion of the first platform.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the second strip reservoir isaxially longer than the first strip reservoir.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the body is generally oval incross-section.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the splines lie substantiallyparallel to the laterally extending long axis of the oval.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the splines lie substantiallyparallel to the laterally extending short axis of the oval.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there are perpendicular laterallyextending first and second axes, further comprising one or more stripsof material in at least one of the reservoirs oriented with their majorfaces substantially parallel to the first axis.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, there are perpendicular laterallyextending first and second axes, further comprising one or more stripsof material in at least one of the reservoirs oriented with their majorfaces substantially parallel to the second axis.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of making dispensers forobjects of varying length to customize particular dispensers to dispensesuch objects of a particular length. The method is carried out inseveral steps.

One step is providing a first injection mold cavity adapted to form agenerally tubular body having an interior surface; first and secondaxially opposed ends, at least one of the ends defining a dispensingopening; and a first platform extending laterally within the interiorsurface and positioned between the axially opposed ends of the body.

Another step is providing a second injection mold cavity adapted to forman insert sized and configured to fit within the generally tubular body,the insert having a second platform configured to be positioned betweenand spaced axially from the first platform and the dispensing openingwhen the insert is assembled with the body, defining a reservoir betweenthe second platform and the dispensing opening and a region between thefirst and second platforms.

A third step is modifying at least one of the first and second injectionmold cavities to place the first and second platforms of the tubularbody and the insert in relative axial positions adapted to supportobjects of a specific length on the second platform at a predeterminedposition relative to the dispensing opening.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the second injection mold cavity ismodified.

Optionally, in any embodiment above, the first injection mold cavity isnot modified to customize the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container, shown withthe lid open.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of the hinge and lid sealing surfaceshown in FIG. 2, modified to show the lid seated on the body.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 3 of another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 3 of yet another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of an additional embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a section of the embodiment of FIG. 8 taken along sectionlines 11-11.

FIG. 12 is a section of the embodiment of FIG. 8 taken along sectionlines 12-12.

FIG. 13 is a modification of FIG. 11, showing as an alternative a falsebottom defined by the web 148 recessed in the body 126.

FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a desiccant insert defining anotherembodiment of the dispenser.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another desiccant insert defining stillanother embodiment of the dispenser.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing other potentialmodifications to accommodate and uniformly present strips havingdifferent lengths.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary plan view of an alternative embodiment in whichthe splines run perpendicular to their orientation shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a mold cavity for forming thebody of a dispenser as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 21 is a schematic sectional view of a mold cavity for forming theinsert of a dispenser as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of an embodiment in which the faces or majorsurfaces of the strips face the longer side of the generally oval vial.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of an embodiment in which the faces or majorsurfaces of the strips face the shorter side of the generally oval vial.

The following reference characters are used in the Figures.

Ref. Char. Description 10 Container 12 Body 14 Interior space 16 Bodysealing surface 18 Lid 20 Lid sealing surface 22 Desiccant material 24Generally tubular sidewall 26 First end (of 24) (base) 28 Second end (of24) 30 Dispensing opening 32 Cross-section (of 24) 34 Major diameter (of32) 36 Minor diameter (of 32) 38 Center (of 32) 40 Major diameter (of16) 42 Minor diameter (of 16) 44 Body (FIG. 5) 46 Rounded corner (of 44)47 Container (FIG. 6) 48 Closed surface (of 18) 50 Seal (of 16 and 20)52 Skirt (of 18) 54 Integral hinge 56 Pivot axis (of 54) 58 Interiorsurface (of 24) 60 Interior portion of desiccant material 62 Interiorportion (of 18) 64 Sachet 66 Canister 68 Pellet or particle 78 Innerseal 80 Container 82 Inner skirt 84 Seal gasket 86 Sealing surface 88Contents 90 Lower end of 82 120 Dispenser 122 Strip of material 124Strip of material 126 Generally tubular body 128 Lid 130 Hinge 132 Longaxis (of 126) 134 Short axis (of 126) 136 Sealing location (of 126) 138Sealing location (of 128) 140 Interior surface 142 First end (of 126)(disposing opening) 144 Second end (of 126) 146 First platform 148Integrally forward web 150 Second platform 152 Web 154 Reservoir 156Region 162 Spline 164 Spline 166 Spline 168 Strip reservoir 170 Stripreservoir 172 Strip reservoir 174 Strip reservoir 176 Platformperforations through 150, 152 178 Platform perforations through 150, 152180 Platform perforations through 150, 152 182 Exterior shell (of 126)184 Liner (of 126) 186 Lower end (of 184) 188 Interior surface (of 182)190 Desiccant material (insert) 192 Desiccant material (in lid) 194Perforation (in 150 and 152) 196 Desiccant sachet 198 Desiccant canister200 Desiccant pellet 202 Embodiment (FIGS. 14 and 15) 204 Liner (FIGS.14 and 15) 206 Insert (FIGS. 14 and 15) 208 Second platform (FIGS. 14and 15) 210 Insert (FIG. 16) 212 Insert (FIG. 17) 214 Dispenser (FIG.18) 216 Second platform (FIG. 18) 218 Portion (of 216) 220 Portion (of216) 222 Compartment (FIG. 18) 224 Compartment (FIG. 18) 226 Secondportion (of 216) 228 Second compartment (FIG. 18) 230 Top of 222 232 Topof 228 234 Body (of FIG. 18) 240 Third compartment (FIG. 18) 250 Top (of124) (FIG. 12) 252 First cavity 254 End (of 256) 256 Core 260 Secondcavity 262 End (of 264) 264 Core 266 Trimmed leading edge (of 256) 268Face of 122 270 Face of 124

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,769,558 and 7,198,161 and European patent 1 220 794,all to the present inventor, disclose a leakproof, resealable, flip-topcylindrical container and cap assembly which comprises a cap andcontainer attached by a hinge. A user is readily able to close the lidusing the front tab on the lid. Those patents are incorporated here byreference for the characteristics and dimensions of a suitable seal fora container and cap assembly. When forming a moisture-tight seal usingthe flip-top closure described in the foregoing patents, the closureexerts a compressive force about the top of the container body. Asealing relationship is formed between the closure and the containerbody.

It is presently believed that the seal effectiveness, in large part, isdue to the stiffness of the container walls. In an oval container(especially as the ratio between the major and minor axes becomeslarger), the walls become less stiff against inward and outwarddeflection along the minor axis and are not able to withstand the forceexerted by the closure. This lack of stiffness results in less sealintegrity (i.e., a higher moisture ingress rate). In particular, theseal area of the sidewall of the container or cap is particularlysubject to flexing along the minor axis, where the opposed walls havethe largest radius in an oval container.

The present inventor has further determined that this problem can beaddressed by providing a reinforcement stiffening the container againstdeflection along the minor axis. The reinforcement can be extra materialin the container wall itself, but can also be provided, for example bypress-fitting or otherwise incorporating an insert or liner into thecontainer to reinforce its portions at or near the beginning and end ofthe minor axis. The insert, which also has utility to orient teststrips, may be used to stiffen the sidewalls of the container.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a vial or container 10 is shownincluding a body 12, an interior space 14, a body sealing surface 16, alid 18, a lid sealing surface 20, and a desiccant material 22communicating with the interior space 14.

The body 12 can have a generally tubular sidewall 24 with first andsecond axially opposed ends 26 and 28 and a dispensing opening 30. Thedispensing opening 30 is axially spaced from the first end or base 26and at least adjacent to the second end 28. In the embodiment of FIGS.1-4, at least a portion of the dispensing opening 30 is defined by thesecond end 28 of the sidewall 24.

The body 12 can have its interior space 14 disposed generally within thesidewall 24 and at least generally between the base 26 and thedispensing opening 30. The generally tubular sidewall 24 can have across-section 32, best shown in FIG. 3, having a major diameter 34 and aminor diameter 36 each passing through the center 38. The ratio betweenthe major diameter 34 and the minor diameter 36 of the cross-section 32can be, for example, a value between 1.1:1 and 10:1, inclusive.Alternatively, the ratio between the major diameter 34 and the minordiameter 36 of the cross-section 32 of the body sidewall 24 can be avalue between 1.5:1 and 5:1, alternatively between 1.5:1 and 4:1,alternatively between 1.5:1 and 4:1, alternatively between 1.5:1 and3:1, alternatively between 2:1 and 5:1, alternatively between 2:1 and4:1, alternatively between 2:1 and 3:1, alternatively between 1.5:1 and5:1, in each case the end points being inclusive. The upper and lowerlimits are not critical; the point of the ratios is to provide acontainer 10 that is wider than it is deep, or vice versa.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the body 12 is at least generally oval incross-section 32. The body, however, can have other cross-sectionalconfigurations. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the body 44 can be at leastgenerally polygonal in cross-section, or at least generally rectangularin cross-section, and alternatively can have at least one rounded corner46. Many other alternative configurations are also contemplated. Forexample, the container can be configured as shown in the container 47 ofFIG. 1, with opposing concave and convex walls.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the body sealing surface 16 is not round,is located on the body 12, and is disposed about the dispensing opening30. The body sealing surface 16 can have a major diameter 40 and a minordiameter 42, and the ratio between the major diameter 40 and the minordiameter 42 of the body sealing surface 16 can be a value between 1.1:1and 10:1, inclusive. Alternatively, the ratio between the major diameter40 and the minor diameter 42 of the body sealing surface 16 can bebetween 1.5:1 and 4:1, alternatively between 1.5:1 and 3:1,alternatively between 1.5:1 and 2:1, alternatively between 2:1 and 5:1,alternatively between 2:1 and 4:1, alternatively between 2:1 and 3:1, ineach case the end points being inclusive. The upper and lower limitsagain are not critical, and provide a non-round sealing surface.

It should be understood that the ratio of the major and minorcross-section diameters 34 and 36 can be the same as or different fromthe ratio of the major and minor diameters 40 and 42 of the body sealingsurface 16. Additionally, the shapes of the body sealing surface 16 andthe cross-section 32 can be the same or different. For example, thecross-section 32 could be rectangular with rounded corners and the bodysealing surface 16 could be elliptical. This is just one illustration ofa possible alternative configuration.

The lid 18 comprises a closed surface 48 supporting the lid sealingsurface 20. The lid 18 can be configured to seat on the body 12. It canhave a lid sealing surface 20. The body sealing surface 16 and the lidsealing surface 20 can be configured to mate to form a seal 50 (bestseen in FIG. 4) between the lid 18 and the body 12 when the lid 18 isseated on the body 12. When the seal 50 is formed, the lid 18 and theseal 50 defined by the sealing surfaces 16 and 20 at least substantiallyclose the dispensing opening 30 and isolate the interior space 14 fromambient conditions.

The lid 18 of FIGS. 1-4 can have a generally tubular skirt 52surrounding and depending from the lid sealing surface 20. Thecross-section of the skirt 52 can be substantially congruent to thecross-section 32 of the body sidewall, at least substantially definingan extension of the generally tubular sidewall 24 when the lid 18 isseated on the body 12, as shown in FIG. 4.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, a tether, here configured asan integral hinge 54, links the body 12 and the lid 18. The hinge 54 canbe configured to orient the lid 18 to seat on the body 12 when the lid18 and body 12 are pivoted together. The illustrated integral hinge 54of FIGS. 1-4, as illustrated, can extend from the sidewall 24 of thebody 12 at least adjacent to the end of the minor axis 42. The integralhinge as illustrated defines a pivot axis 54 that can be generallyparallel to the major diameter 40. In an alternative embodiment, theintegral hinge could be displaced 90 degrees circumferentially andextend from the sidewall 24 of the body 12 at least adjacent to the endof the major diameter 40. The integral hinge could then define a pivotaxis that could be generally perpendicular to the major axis 40. Theintegral hinge could also be displaced to an intermediate point betweenthe ends of the major diameter 40 and minor diameter 42, in anotheralternative embodiment, providing an oblique pivot axis parallel neitherto the major diameter 40 nor the minor diameter 42.

The inventors have found that a non-round seal, for example the seal 50shown in FIGS. 1-4 formed by mating the non-round body sealing surface16 and lid sealing surface 20, does not exclude moisture as well as around seal. Nonetheless, it may be necessary or useful to limit theamount of moisture entering or leaving the interior space 14 of thecontainer 10, as when the contents of the container 10 aremoisture-sensitive. The inventors have found that the issue of moisturesensitivity caused by a non-round seal can be addressed and at leastpartially alleviated if the container 10 includes a desiccant materialsuch as 22 communicating with the interior space 14 of the container 10when the lid 18 is seated on the body 12.

An example of suitable desiccant material 22 is the injection-moldablethermoplastic desiccant polymeric material described in one or more ofU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937; 6,214,255; 6,130,263; 6,080,350; 6,174,952;6,124,006; and 6,221,446, all to Hekal. These patents are incorporatedhere by reference. Silica gel, a molecular sieve, calcium oxides or claymay also or instead be used directly as desiccants or incorporated intoa desiccant material. The desiccant alternatively can be a materialadapted to release a gas, such as an inert gas that prevents oxidationof the enclosed medicament, a flavoring or fragrance, or moisture, inthe case of a medicament that should not be allowed to dry out.

For example, in the container 10 of FIGS. 1-4, the interior space 14 canbe defined at least in part by an interior surface 58 of the body 12made of a desiccant material 22. In the container 10 of FIGS. 1-4, atleast one of the ends of the container 10, here the first end 26, alsocan have an interior portion 60 made of desiccant material. Additionallyor alternatively, the lid 18 can have an interior portion 48 that can beintegrally molded of desiccant material 22. Additionally oralternatively, the interior surface 58 of desiccant 22 can be defined bya separately molded sleeve of desiccant material 22 placed within thebody 12 and at least partially defining the interior space 14. Thesleeve can be integrally formed with at least one of the sidewall and anend wall.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, also illustrated in FIG. 2,at least a portion of the desiccant material 22 can located in theinterior space 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, at least a portionof the desiccant 22 can be provided in the form of one or more sachets64, or canisters 66, or a particulate material 68, which can be providedas pellets or in other particulate forms.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a secondary seal generally indicated at 78 isdisclosed for a container 80 otherwise similar to that of FIGS. 1-4. InFIG. 7, the lid 18 has an inner skirt 82 and the body 12 contains adesiccant insert 22 and a generally annular seal gasket 84 having asealing surface 86 encircling the contents 88 of the container. Theinner skirt 82 has a distal or lower end 90 bearing against the sealgasket 84, forming the seal. The seal gasket 84 can be made of anelastomeric material (for example a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE.) Onecontemplated TPE is Santoprene®, which is a registered trademark ofMonsanto Company of St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A.

The position of the lower end 90 of the web 82, and thus the seal 78,can be closer to the outer skirt 52 of the lid than illustrated in FIG.7, which may be useful to allow more space within the inner seal 80. Thegasket 86 can alternatively be reduced to just the portion beneath thelower end 90 of the inner skirt 82, although an advantage of theillustrated embodiment is that the material of the seal gasket 84 canalso isolate the top surface of the desiccant material 22 from directcontact with the environment when the container 80 is opened.

In any embodiment an elastomer may also be located along the topinterior surface of the vial body 12, such as the body sealing surface16, to resiliently seat against the lid sealing surface 20.

A secondary sealing element can also or alternatively be formed alongthe inside surface of the flip-top lid 18. The secondary sealing elementmay be located in close proximity to the sidewall or skirt 52 of theflip-top lid 18. When the lid 18 is closed, the secondary sealingelement compresses the elastomer along the top surface of the insert toform a secondary seal, in combination with the seal according to U.S.Pat. No. 6,769,558 and other patents as previously described.

More generally, any one or more of the desiccant or sealing featuresshown in the Figures can be used individually or together, andadditional embodiments deploying the desiccant or sealing elements inother ways are also contemplated.

The container 10 can be made in various ways. In one embodiment, thecontainer 10 and its desiccant feature 22 can each be separatelyinjection molded from thermoplastic material, as in a one-shot ortwo-shot injection process, then assembled. The first mold is used toproduce the flip-top vial 10 or 80. In second mold, an insert is molded.The lid 18 and integral hinge 54 can be integrally formed in the samemold as the outer body 12. In one embodiment, the flip-top vial lid isclosed in the mold.

Alternatively, the body 12 and the desiccant polymeric material 22 canformed in two shots in one injection mold.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the insert is composed of two materials: adesiccant plastic 22 and an elastomeric material 84. The insert 22 andseal gasket 84 may be molded in a 2-shot injection molding process. Thedesiccant material 22 of the insert is formed in the first shot. Next,the elastomeric material 84 is formed in the second shot. The compositeinsert is assembled into the vial. Alternatively, the seal material andthe material of the body 12 or lid 18 can be formed in a single,two-shot mold.

One of many known examples of suitable material for the outer portionsof the container 10 can be polypropylene—a moisture blocking polymericmaterial. For example, the outer body 12 and lid 18 can be made ofpolypropylene, and the desiccant features such the interior portion 60can be made of a desiccant material.

The container can also be made as disclosed in any of the embodiments ofU.S. Ser. No. 61/053,277 or 29/318,272, which are incorporated byreference above.

When the insert is assembled into the vial, the elastomeric material 84forms a secondary seal along the top interior surface of the vialflip-top lid.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 8-10, the illustrated dispenser 120is a vial including a generally tubular body 126 and a lid 128 joinedtogether by a hinge 130. In this embodiment the body 126 is generallyoval or elliptical in cross-section, having a laterally extending longaxis 132 (running from top to bottom in FIG. 10) and a laterallyextending short axis 134 (running from side to side in FIG. 10).Optionally, the body 126, lid 128, and hinge 130 can be integrallyformed, as by molding the assembly in a one-shot injection mold to formthe body 126, the lid 128, and an integral hinge 130 simultaneously. Thebody 126, lid 128, and hinge 130 can be made of any suitable material,commonly a substantially moisture-impervious material and commonly athermoplastic material that is useful for injection molding. The body126, lid 128, and the hinge 130 can be made of polypropylene orpolyethylene, for example, to provide good moisture protection.

The lid 128 and body 126 respectively have first and second sealinglocations 36 and 38 which are mateable when the lid 128 is seated on thebody 126 to at least substantially seal the dispensing opening 142 andminimize contact of water vapor or other environmental substances withthe test strips such as 122 and 124 or other contents of the dispenser120. The body 126 has an interior surface 140 and first and secondaxially opposed ends 142 and 144, and at least one of the ends, here theend 142, defines a dispensing opening.

FIGS. 10-12 in particular show various interior details of theembodiment of FIG. 8.

The body 126 has a first platform 146, in this embodiment defined by theupper surface of an integrally formed web 148. (Words of orientationsuch as “upper,” “lower” or “lateral” in this specification refer to thedispenser 120 when it is oriented as shown in FIGS. 11-12. “Axial” is upor down as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and “lateral” refers to anydirection having a component perpendicular to axial For example, adirection perpendicular to axial and a direction forming an angle of 45degrees with respect to axial are both lateral directions.) The firstplatform 146 extends laterally within the interior surface 140 and ispositioned at least substantially at the end 44 of the body.

The body 126 has a second platform 150 extending laterally within theinterior surface 140. The second platform 150 is positioned between andspaced axially from the first platform 146 and the dispensing opening142. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, the second platform 150 is definedby the upper surface of a laterally extending web 152.

The second platform 150 is positioned and configured to provide adequateelevation to extend the test strips 122, 124 beyond the top lip ordispensing opening 142 of the vial body 126 and position them within thelid 128 (when closed) without damaging the exposed ends of the teststrips. Damage could occur when the lid is closed and strips such as122, 124 lean or bend over and get trapped between the vial body 126 andthe lid 128.

By extending the test strips 122, 124 beyond the dispensing opening 142of the vial body, the end user will have substantially easier access tothe test strips 122, 124 presented to the user when the vial lid 128 isopen. Since commercial test strips have many different lengths, thesecond platform 150 of the dispenser 120 can be easily adjusted to thetest strip length to consistently be able to provide a package thatpresents the test strips to the consumer uniformly, regardless of thetest strip length, without necessarily changing the overall length ofthe generally tubular body 126.

Additionally, the first and second platforms 146 and 150 can provide amethod to increase the amount of desiccant being used for enhanced shelflife protection. It is more difficult to obtain a moisture tight seal onthe illustrated oval dispenser 120 than on a round dispenser. Theplatforms allow additional desiccant to be added to the dispenser 120for enhanced shelf life protection. Oval vials also are more difficultto manufacture due to the difference in shrinkage of the primarily flatsides as opposed to the sharper corners on the ends. This non-uniformgeometry causes differences in shrinkage rates compared to a round vial.

A reservoir generally indicated at 154 is located between the secondplatform 150 and the dispensing opening 142, and a region generallyindicated at 156 is located between the first and second platforms 146and 150. At least one spline or partition 162, and in the embodiment ofFIGS. 8-12 three parallel splines 162, 164, and 166, extend axially andlaterally within the reservoir 154 and subdivide the reservoir intoplural axially extending compartments or strip reservoirs, such as 168,170, 172, and 174, communicating with the dispensing opening 142. Inthis embodiment, the splines 162, 164, and 166 lie substantiallyparallel to the laterally extending short axis 134 of the oval. In analternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the splines such as167 and 169 could lie substantially parallel to the laterally extendinglong axis 132 of the oval.

Partitioning the reservoir 154 using splines 162, 164, and 166 allowsdiscrete placement of the test strips 122, 124, keeping them neatlyarranged and more compact than random placement. Additionally thesplines 162, 164, and 166 assist in maintaining the test strips uprightfor presentation to the customer. Together with the body 126 and insert190, the splines 162, 164, and 166 position the test strips 122, 124away from the sealing locations 136 and 138 to prevent the test strips122, 124 from being lodged between the sealing locations 136 and 138while closing the lid 128.

The dispenser 120 can have an open path of communication, such as theplatform perforations 176, 178, and 180 in the second platform 150 andweb 152, between the reservoir 154 and at least one of the stripreservoirs, such as 168. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, an open pathof communication is provided between the reservoir 154 and each of thestrip reservoirs 168, 170, 172, and 174.

In the dispenser, the body 126 and at least one of the first platform146, the second platform 150, and a spline such as 162, 164, 166, and168 are integral. In the dispenser of FIGS. 8-12, for example, the bodyand the first platform are integral.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, with particular reference to FIGS. 11and 12, the body 126 includes an exterior shell 182, which can be madeof moisture-impervious material integrally formed with the firstplatform 146 and web 148. In the dispenser of FIGS. 8-12, at least aportion of the body and at least a portion of the first platform areformed in one shot in an injection mold, forming a first part.

A generally tubular liner 184 is provided, here including the secondplatform 150 and the splines 162, 164, and 166. At least a portion ofthe second platform 150 and the splines 162, 164, and 166 are formed ina single shot in an injection mold, forming a second part. The first andsecond parts are assembled to provide a dispenser 120.

The liner 184 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-12 has a lower end 186that, in the illustrated embodiment, abuts the first platform 146 tolocate the liner 184 precisely within the body 126. The axial distancebetween the second platform 150 and the dispensing opening 142 can beselected by providing a lower end 186 that is spaced a correspondingdistance from the second platform 150. This allows the dispenser 120 tobe customized for strips 122 of a particular length without changing themold used to form the exterior shell 182.

By providing an assembly of a separately molded liner 184 and shell 182,each of these parts can be made, in whole or in part, in a one-shotinjection mold, without the need for side draws or other complicated andexpensive molding or machining techniques that would otherwise be neededto make such an extensively undercut part. In the embodiment of FIGS.8-12, the body 126 and each of the first platform 146, the secondplatform 150, and the splines 162, 164, 166, and 168 are injectionmolded, although that is not an essential feature.

A desiccant optionally can be incorporated into the dispenser 120 tokeep the partial pressure of water vapor within the dispenser 120relatively low compared to ambient conditions. One objective can be toreduce the partial pressure of water vapor in the reservoir 154 wherethe strips such as 122 and 124 are stored. A desiccant can be providedanywhere within the enclosure formed by the exterior shell 182,including but not limited to on an interior surface 188 of the shell 182itself.

For example, the shell 182 could be partially or entirely molded from aninjection moldable desiccant composition. Suitable desiccant plasticsinclude, but are not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,911,937; 6,214,255; 6,130,263; 6,080,350; 6,174,952; 6,124,006; and6,221,446, all to Hekal. These disclosures of these patents areincorporated herein by reference. Silica gel, a molecular sieve, calciumoxides or clay may be used directly as desiccants or incorporated into adesiccant material. The desiccant can also or instead be a materialadapted to release a gas, such as an inert gas that prevents oxidationof the enclosed medicament, a flavoring or fragrance, or moisture, inthe case of a medicament that should not be allowed to dry out.

The reservoir 154 can be desiccated, for example, by providing adesiccant material such as 190 that is exposed to the reservoir 154.“Exposed” as used here is a broad term including direct contact betweenthe desiccant and the reservoir to be desiccated, as well ascommunication between the desiccant 190 and the reservoir 154,optionally via a passage or series of passages lying between thedesiccant such as 190 and the reservoir 154.

For example, with reference to FIG. 12, a desiccant material 192provided in the lid 128 is exposed to the desiccant region 156. Adesiccant material 190 is also exposed to the reservoir 154, in thisinstance via the region 156 and the platform perforation 194. Theplatform perforation 194 communicates between the region 156 and thereservoir 154. With reference to FIG. 11, the desiccant packet or sachet196, the desiccant canister 198, and the desiccant pellet 200 are alsoeach exposed to the reservoir 154.

FIG. 11 also illustrates a dispenser 120 in which the desiccantmaterials 190, 196, 198, and 200 are each in contact with the region156. As used here, “contact” has a more specific definition thatrequires the desiccant to be within or adjacent to the region 156.

The dispenser can have at least a portion of any one of the bodyinterior surface 188, a spline such as 162, 164, or 166, the firstplatform 146, or the second platform 156, or any combination of theseparts, composed of a desiccant material.

The dispenser 120 can also include a desiccant such as one or moresachets 196, canisters 198, or pellets 200 disposed in the region 156.“Disposed in” is a more particular term meaning that the desiccant islocated within the boundaries of the region 156. One advantage of theembodiment of FIGS. 8-12 is that it provides a considerable amount ofspace in the region 156 to place one or more sachets such as 196 orcanisters such as 198 containing particulate material, or free pelletsor particulate material such as 200 containing or made of desiccantmaterial. The region 156 thus can provide a desiccant reservoir at leastsomewhat isolated from the reservoir 154. In an embodiment, the region156 can be sized to contain a suitable amount of desiccant of any typeor form to maintain a low water vapor pressure in the reservoir 154.

The sleeve 184 of desiccant material disposed within the body 126 can atleast partially define at least one of the reservoir 154 and the region156. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, the sleeve partially defines eachof the reservoir 154 and the region 156.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment, compared to FIG. 11, in whichthe dispenser 120 has a false bottom defined by the web 148. In thisembodiment, the first platform 146 is located between the axiallyopposed ends 142 and 144 of the body. In this embodiment, the firstplatform 150 can be positioned between the ends 142 and 144 to provideadequate elevation to extend the test strips 122, 124 beyond the top lipor dispensing opening 142 of the vial body 126 and position them withinthe lid 128 (when closed) without damaging the exposed ends of the teststrips. The position of the first platform 146 thus can be adjustedalong with or independently of the position of the second platform 150to adjust the positions of the tops of the test strips such as 122 and124 in the container 120.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternative embodiment 202 in which an internalside wall or liner 204 of desiccant material is formed within theexterior shell 182 and web 152 of the body 126 in a two-shot injectionmolding process. The construction material can be desiccant plastic, atraditional three phase polymer or a two phase polymer, for example. Theliner may also be molded from a non-desiccated polymer such aspolyethylene, polypropylene or other suitable materials.

The thickness and height of the liner 204 can be adjusted to providetailored moisture protection to the vial or tailor the internal volume.The liner 204 also provides stiffness to the vial which facilitates amoisture tight flip-top seal. By increasing or reducing the thickness orheight of the liner walls, the sidewall deflection is adjusted tofacilitate closure of the lid onto the vial body.

In this embodiment, the first platform 146 is defined by desiccantmaterial integral with the interior surface 140. An insert 206 made ofdesiccant material is also provided. The insert 206 defines the secondplatform 208 and the splines 162, 164, and 166, and substantially fillsthe entire region 156 of the dispenser as well as the portion of thereservoir 154 occupied by the splines 162, 164, and 166.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show alternative embodiments of inserts, respectively210 and 212.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of a dispenser 214 in which thesecond platform 216 has a first portion 218 or 220 defining a firststrip reservoir (respectively 222 or 224) and a second portion 226non-coplanar with the first portion 218 or 220 and defining a secondstrip reservoir 228. The strip reservoirs 222 and 228 have tops,respectively 230 and 232, at the same elevation and floors, respectively234 and 236, at different elevations, so the second strip reservoir 228is axially longer than the first strip reservoir 222.

Also in FIG. 18, a strip reservoir 240 is located beside the secondplatform 216, and extends down to and is defined by a portion 242 of thefirst platform 146. The strip reservoir 240 is axially longer than thestrip reservoirs 222, 224, and 228, and thus can accommodate even muchlonger strips 124 than the others.

One optional advantage of the illustrated construction is ease of accessto the strips 122, 124. They are visible above the vial body rim ordispensing opening 126 when the lid 128 is open, and remain exposedabove the dispensing opening 126 when the container is full, as well asafter strips have been depleted. Yet, the test strips 122, 124 do notinterfere with opening and closing the lid 128. Another advantage isthat the strips remain standing upright and do not fall over into thesealing locations 136 and 138 when strips are removed.

The illustrated construction optionally provides a longer shelf life forthe strips 122, 124 by providing desiccants in various forms, as bytwo-shot molding of the body 126 to include a desiccant liner, moldinginternal components of the dispenser 120 from moldable desiccantthermoplastic materials, and including communicating chambers forcontaining loose or packaged desiccants. One or more of these or otherexpedients for desiccating the dispenser 120 can be used.

Another aspect of the technology, illustrated by FIGS. 12, 20 and 21, isa method of making dispensers such as 120 for dispensing objects such as124 of varying length. The method allows one to customize a particulardispenser 120 to dispense objects such as 124 of a particular length,presenting the tops 250 of the objects such as 124 at an appropriateheight in the dispenser 120.

To carry out the method, a first injection mold cavity 252 is providedas shown in FIG. 20. The first mold cavity 252 is adapted to form agenerally tubular body such as the body 126 of FIG. 12. The body 126 hasa first platform 146, as previously described, that is formed in thecavity 252 by the projecting end 254 of the core 256, and which locatesand supports the lower end 186 of the liner 184 when the dispenser 120is assembled.

A second injection mold cavity 260 is provided as shown in FIG. 21. Thesecond cavity 260 is adapted to form an insert or liner 184, such a theliner 184 of FIG. 5, sized and configured to fit within the generallytubular body 126 of FIG. 12. The insert 184 has a second platform 150,as shown in FIG. 12 and described above, adapted to support objects suchas 124. The second platform is formed by the leading edge 262 of a core264.

To customize the dispenser 120, at least one of the first and secondinjection mold cavities 252 and 260 is modified to place the first andsecond platforms 146 and 150 of the tubular body 126 and the insert 184in relative axial positions adapted to support objects such as 124 of aspecific length on the second platform 150 at a predetermined positionrelative to the dispensing opening 142.

For example, the position of the first platform 146 in the body 126 canbe raised by removing material from the core 256, so its new leadingedge 266 is at the position shown in FIG. 20. Alternatively, the core256 can be replaced by a different core having a different length. Otherexpedients for accomplishing this customization step are also well knownto those skilled in the art. This modification will raise the level ofthe second platform of a dispenser assembled from the modified body 126and the insert 184 as shown in FIG. 12.

For another example, the position of the second platform 150 in theinsert 184 can be raised by removing material from the core 264, or byother expedients similar to those useful for the cavity 252, so the newleading edge 268 is at the position shown in FIG. 21. This modificationwill raise the level of the second platform 150 of a dispenser assembledfrom the body 126 as shown in FIG. 12 and the insert 184 as thusmodified.

Further, both of these modifications could be made at the same time, oreither one could be used without using the other.

Of course, the opposite modification could be made in either or bothcases to lower the position of the second platform 150.

This method allows one to customize the insert 184 to serially adapt forstrips 124 of different lengths, presenting each at the ideal height foreasy access without interfering with the lid 128. Thus, a variety ofdifferent inserts 184 having different dimensions can be used with aparticular body 126, depending on the particular strips 124 to becontained and dispensed. Conversely, this method allows one to customizethe body 126 to serially adapt for strips 124 of different lengths,presenting each at the ideal height for easy access without interferingwith the lid 128. Thus, a variety of different bodies 126 havingdifferent dimensions can be used with a particular insert 184, dependingon the particular strips 124 to be contained and dispensed.

It will be understood as well, with reference to FIG. 18, that one stripreservoir such as 228 of the insert 184 can be modified using thistechnique while another strip reservoir 222 retains its originaldimensions or is modified to a different degree to suit a strip having adifferent length. Thus, a very simple and versatile way to customizedispensers 126 for a wide variety of different strips such as 124 hasbeen illustrated.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate that the strips can be oriented in variousdirections in the dispenser 120. In FIG. 22, the strips are oriented sotheir major surfaces such as 268 and 270 face one of the longer sides ofthe dispenser 120. In FIG. 23, the test strips are turned 90 degreesrelative to the strips of FIG. 22, so the major surfaces such as 268 and270 face one of the shorter sides of the dispenser 120. In other words,the dispenser has perpendicular laterally extending first and secondaxes, and one or more strips of material in at least one of thereservoirs is oriented with its major faces substantially parallel tothe first axis, or alternatively the second axis. Other orientations,such as an oblique or diagonal orientation, are also contemplated.

Moisture Ingress Test Method

The following is a suitable method of measuring moisture ingress fordetermining whether a vessel is waterproof as defined in thisspecification.

The moisture ingress through the flip-top seal of the container of thepresent invention is determined over a fifty (50) day period. A total ofsix (6) containers are used for the study. Two containers, referred toas CONTROL A and CONTROL B, do not contain desiccant. Four othercontainers, referred to as Samples C, D, E, F, have 2.0 grams of loosemolecular sieve (MS) powder placed inside, plus or minus 0.25 grams. Thedimensions of the containers are approximately 26.75 mm thick×43.70 mmwide×50.25 mm tall.

The test method can be described as follows: (a) placing two grams plusor minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve (“MS”) into four (4) containersand recording the weight; (b) recording the weight of two of the samecontainers which do not contain any MS material, which containers aremaintained as controls; (c) closing the containers by applying, in asingular motion, a downward pressure upon the container lids or thumbtabs until the rim portions, adjacent to the thumb tabs, contact theinside flat part of the caps also adjacent to the thumb tabs; (d)weighing the six (6) containers and recording their respective weights;(e) placing the closed containers in an environmental chamber maintainedat conditions of 80% relative humidity and 22.2° C.; (f) weighing thecontainers on a daily basis for fifty (50) days, recording the weightsof the respective containers, and returning them to the chamber; (g)subtracting the weights recorded in steps (a) and (b) from the currentday weight of the respective containers to calculate the moistureingress of the container in units of micrograms of water; and (h)determining the moisture ingress through the seal by discounting themoisture ingress through the vial, according to the followingmethodology, calculated on a daily basis:

N is Sample Type (A-F)

Sn is Sample Weight Gain=(Current Vial Weight minus Initial Vial Weightat Start of Study)

Ctrl is Average Weight Gain of Control Samples=(SA+SB)/2

TS is Average Weight Gain of Test Samples=(SC+SD+SE+SF)/4

MI is Moisture Ingress through Seal=(TS-Ctrl).

Working Example: Insert to Improve Seal Integrity of Oval Vial(Container)

Two different groups of oval-section vials with lids, respectivelyformed in Mold Cavity A and Mold Cavity B, and press-in tubular insertsfor each type of vial similar to the inserts forming the surface 58 inFIG. 2 were provided. The tubular inserts were found to reinforce thevials against deflection of the body wall along the minor axis.

The moisture ingress test was run on a group of the vials without aninsert, and also on a group of the same types of vials with inserts. Thefollowing results were obtained:

Moisture Ingress Results:

μg H₂O per day Vial with Vial insert Mold Cavity A Best result 600 400Mean 716 466 Ingress Std Dev 90 54 Mold Cavity B Best result 500 380Mean 694 419 Ingress Std Dev 116 39

In the above test results, the “best result” numbers are the best singlevial result of the several vials tested.

The test results show a significant reduction in moisture ingress in thesame vials, having the same sealing arrangements, with and without areinforcement that reduces deflection of the sidewall along the minoraxis.

Certain embodiments of the invention have been described in detail inthis specification and illustrated by the drawing figures. Thisinvention is not limited, however, to the specific embodiments andfeatures described in the specification. The invention extends to thefull scope of the claims as initially or later presented in thisspecification.

1. A moisture-tight, re-sealable container comprising: a. a body havinga generally tubular sidewall with first and second axially opposed ends,a base, and a dispensing opening axially spaced from the base and atleast adjacent to the second end; b. an interior space disposedgenerally within the sidewall and at least generally between the baseand the dispensing opening; c. the generally tubular sidewall having across-section having a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein theratio between the major diameter and the minor diameter of the sidewallcross-section is a value between 1.1:1 and 10:1, inclusive; d. anon-round body sealing surface located on the body and disposed aboutthe dispensing opening, the body sealing surface having a major diameterand a minor diameter, wherein the ratio between the major diameter andthe minor diameter of the body sealing surface is a value between 1.1:1and 10:1, inclusive; e. a lid configured to seat on the body; f. a lidsealing surface located on the lid; g. the body sealing surface and thelid sealing surface being configured to mate to form a seal between thelid and the body when the lid is seated on the body; h. the lid and lidsealing surface at least substantially closing the dispensing openingand isolating the interior space from ambient conditions; and i. aninsert communicating with the interior space of the container andreinforcing at least a portion of the body sealing surface againstinward deflection along an axis defined by the minor diameter when thelid is seated on the body; the container having a moisture ingress rateof 100-1000 micrograms per day, at 80% relative humidity and 22.2° C. 2.The container of claim 1, in which the interior space is defined atleast in part by an interior surface made of a desiccant material. 3.The container of claim 1, in which the interior space is defined atleast in part by a reinforcement stiffening the container againstdeflection along the minor axis.
 4. The container of claim 3, in whichthe reinforcement is an insert assembled with the container.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 4, in which the insert is secured to the container byan interference fit between the insert and the inner wall of thecontainer
 6. The container of claim 4, in which the insert is made of adesiccant material.
 7. The container of claim 4, in which the insert isdisposed within the container.
 8. The container of claim 4, in which theinsert is a liner generally following the inner wall of the container.9. The container of claim 1, in which the body is at least generallyoval in cross-section.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the ratiobetween the major diameter and the minor diameter of the cross-sectionof the sidewall is a value between 1.5:1 and 3:1, inclusive.
 11. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the ratio between the major diameter andthe minor diameter of the cross-section of the body sealing surface is avalue between 1.5:1 and 3:1, inclusive.
 12. A dispenser for strips ofmaterial, comprising: a generally tubular body having an interiorsurface and first and second axially opposed ends, at least one of theends defining a dispensing opening; a first platform extending laterallywithin the interior surface and positioned at the first end or betweenthe first and second ends of the body; a second platform extendinglaterally within the interior surface, positioned between and spacedaxially from the first platform and the dispensing opening, and defininga reservoir between the second platform and the dispensing opening and aregion between the first and second platforms; at least one splineextending axially and laterally within the reservoir and subdividing thereservoir into plural axially extending reservoirs communicating withthe dispensing opening.
 13. A method of making dispensers for objects ofvarying length to customize particular dispensers to dispense suchobjects of a particular length, the method comprising: providing a firstinjection mold cavity adapted to form a generally tubular body having aninterior surface; first and second axially opposed ends, at least one ofthe ends defining a dispensing opening; and a first platform extendinglaterally within the interior surface and positioned between the axiallyopposed ends of the body; providing a second injection mold cavityadapted to form an insert sized and configured to fit within thegenerally tubular body, the insert having a second platform configuredto be positioned between and spaced axially from the first platform andthe dispensing opening when the insert is assembled with the body,defining a reservoir between the second platform and the dispensingopening and a region between the first and second platforms; modifyingat least one of the first and second injection mold cavities to placethe first and second platforms of the tubular body and the insert inrelative axial positions adapted to support objects of a specific lengthon the second platform at a predetermined position relative to thedispensing opening.